Porsche and Lincoln Top J.D. Power's 2010 Dependability Study, Cadillac DTS Has the Fewest Problems in the Industry

J.D. Power & Associates' latest vehicle dependability study says most cars are getting better. In fact, J.D. Power tests showed that 25 of 36 brands (69%) improved their long-term durability. Reported problems decreased from an industry average of 167 per 100 vehicles last year to the current 155 (+7% in reliability).
The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2007 model year) vehicles, said that Porsche was the highest-ranking brand with 110 problems per 100 vehicles followed by Lincoln (114 problems) and Buick (115 problems).
The Cadillac DTS is the model with the fewest problems in the industry, with just 76 issues per 100 vehicles. This marks the first time in more than a decade that a model from a domestic automaker has achieved the lowest PP100 score in the Vehicle Dependability Study.
Interestingly, seven of the 10 models with the lowest incidence of problems in the industry are from Ford and General Motors, including the 2007 model-year Buick Lacrosse, Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, Ford Five Hundred, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan, and Mercury Montego.
The biggest losers in terms of increases in problems per 100 vehicles are: Land Rover (+27), Audi (+25), Mitsubishi (+20).
The brands with the most problems per 100 vehicles in the industry are: Volkswagen (225), Suzuki (253) and Land Rover (255).
Source & Charts: J.D. Power & Associates

2011 Lincoln MKX with Fresh Looks, New 3.7-Liter V6 and Button-Free Environment Premieres in Detroit

FoMoCo lifted the covers off its heavily revised 2011 Lincoln MKX at the Detroit Auto Show today. Lincoln's Ford Edge-based mid-size crossover has received a hefty makeover with new sheetmetal, a refreshed interior that ditches conventional buttons and knobs for an array of capacitive-touch controls, chassis improvements and a new 3.7-liter V7 engine.
From the outside, the 2011 model year MKX is recognizable by its MKT-inspired fascia with the huge split grille, the sculptured front wheel arches, the new tailgate and tail lamp assembly, and freshly designed alloy wheels.
The interior has also been revamped boasting a new design and upgraded materials and trim. However, the most significant change concerns the adoption of the firm's "MyLincoln Touch" interface that replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with LCD screens and touch-sensitive controls like those found on cell phones and MP3 players.
Underneath the hood, the MKX's 3.5-liter V6 has been replaced by Ford's new 3.7-liter V6 that is shared with the 2011 Mustang V6. It produces 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque and is linked to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission returning up to 25mpg on the highway.
Other improvements for the 2011 model year MKX include the more powerful four-wheel disc brakes, the retuned suspension and the addition of Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills and Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped with the available trailer tow package.
The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, with sales set to begin this summer.

Lincoln to Reveal MKZ Hybrid at this Week's New York Auto Show

The Detroit News reports that FoMoCo will be revealing the MKZ Hybrid in New York, the Blue Oval's "first luxury hybrid".What you can expect is a Ford Fusion (or Mercury Milan), but with whatever passes for upscale Lincoln trim.
Chris Lemley, owner of dealerships in the Boston metro area, says, "I thought they should have done it before." Obviously, but as for getting people out of Lexus dealerships and onto Lincoln lots, "It depends on how fast they can get it to us...I'm also hoping that it will be priced competitively."
The MKZ Hybrid will have to be priced competitively, otherwise you'll have the same issue Lincoln dealers have been having with Ford and its SHO: same car, less money for the Blue Oval.
Sure, the MKZ Hybrid is all fun and good, but if Lincoln could get its act together design-wise, that would be great. The MKZ looks outdated as-is, and the Navigator stands out like a sore thumb. Oh well, I guess a hybrid in the lineup can't hurt.

- By Phil Alex

Via: Detnews
* Non-Hybrid 2010 Lincoln MKZ Shown in Photo Gallery